I am considering the surgery for health reasons because I am 23 and weigh in at about 345. I've read a lot of the posts and have noticed that some people lose a lot quickly and others lose a little or nothing at all. How much weight did you lose and how long didi it take for you to get rid of it? Did any of you eat bad foods and cheat? What are some tips from those who were successful?

I weighed 350 at first appointment, 335 at surgery on March 25 06. I now weight 267. I have gone right by the band rules and it has worked well for me. (protein first, then veggies, no water with or for an hour after, 50-60 carb/day, 1000-1200 cal/day, and good quality protein supplements) and 1/2 gal liquids/day. I was slow to begin exercise because I was so heavy and pretty well handicapped. Now I am walking a mile/day. I have also cut most of the my meds out (I am diabetic, heart stents, hi blood pressure, gout, arthritis, etc......but I'm much better now~).

I have lost 97 pounds (some days 98 or 99...LOL). I was banded almost 2 years ago. I'm a horrible example. I cheat all the time, but just a little because my band won't let me eat bread, pizza, pasta, and some other stuff. Things like ice cream I can eat, but I don't have room for much after I get my protein in.

I was banded in June 2006 and I have lost 35. I believe it dependes on how you choose to eat. When I had 1.5 cc in me I could eat pretty much everything then two weeks ago I got another 1.5 in so a total of 3 and I have lost 10 these past two weeks. I feel like I am where I want to be on my adjustment but it took 3 to find the ideal fill.

Thanks for responding, everyone. It's very helpful.

That's a great question..

1) Some people take awhile to get restriction (w/fills/unfills)

2) Some bodies have been wrecked due to dieting and their metabolism is slow to "let go" of the pounds.

3) Some don't exercise

4) Some drink their calories (milkshakes, juices, etc)

5) Some still eat junk ( for many of us that's an easy meal)

6) Some may have other health issues (Cushing, etc) that hinder weight loss

7) Some are just lucky and motivated and very good bandsters

and do quite well...

Shawn

If you follow the bandster rules for eating and DON'T eat junk you will lose weight faster. Cut out the carbs, the sugars, the chips and ice cream, etc. This is strictly up to you as to how much and how fast you can lose. Pay attention to what people are posting/eating that aren't being as successful as they would like...almost always they eat junk or eat too much, etc.

I do what I'm suppose to do 95% of the time. I do slip up occasionally. I haven't lost as fast as some but I think steady is the key. I've been banded a little over 2 months and have lost 40 pounds. I just love the feeling of not being hungry now. Now I still have the head hunger occasionally but it gets better with each day. I also think having your fill level correct is a major key in this game.

Thanks for responding, everyone. It's very helpful.

I got mine at the end of July, I'm down ~77 pounds today.

Just stick with the diet mentioned above, exercise 3 or more times a week, and everything should work out great.